Can not decide whether to get KEF Q150 or Q Acoustics 3020i? I was in the same situation as you. These two are the most hyped and positively reviewed speakers in the market.
Last year, I shortlisted these speakers and ended up buying both of these pairs. After using it for a few months, here’s the comparison.
KEF Q150
The KEF Q150 was launched as an “improved version” of the KEF Q100 back in 2017. This bookshelf speaker is the hottest-selling speaker of this brand. It is known and loved for producing the most detailed natural sound and tight bass.
Q Acoustics 3020i
The Q Acoustics 3020i is also a well-known and hottest-selling speaker. It was launched way earlier than KEF Q150, back in 2015. This speaker still rules millions of hearts because of its cutting-edge design and excellent sonics.
KEF Q150 Vs Q Acoustics 3020i
KEF and Q Acoustics are two different well-known and trusted brands. Therefore, the speakers being compared today would “definitely” not look and sound the same. Besides the appearance and sound, there might be some other differences as well. Let’s find out what.
Appearance
The biggest and most easily noticeable difference between the KEF Q150 and Q Acoustics 3020i lies in the design or appearance.
I found the KEF Q150 is more handsome than the other case. That’s obvious because KEF speakers are just introduced, therefore they have a sleek and modern look.
The KEF speakers have a matt finish whereas the other speakers are a bit glossy. It has well-rounded edges but the KEF speaker does not have round edges.
The speakers with round edges are not that in fashion, however, they are safe. Since the KEF Q150 has pretty sharp edges, one of my kids got hurt and even I have to be super careful with these speakers.
The cabinets of both speakers are made of sturdy MDF material. This makes both of the speakers equally durable.
These speakers might look completely different, however, they have one thing in common.
It’s magnetic grills, and that’s what I love most about them. If I had to rate the appearance, KEF would get 9/10 and Q Acoustics would get 8/10.
Type
The KEF Q150 and Q Acoustics 3020i are both bookshelf speakers. They do not appear and sound the same, but they are made with the same purpose in mind.
That’s to keep the speaker on a table or shelf and maximize the sound in small and medium-sized spaces.
If we dig deeper, the KEF Q150 and Q Acoustics’s 3020i are passive speakers. So, to get the best possible sound from these speakers, you have to find a suitable amplifier.
Sound quality
As expected, upon testing, I found the sound quality of these speakers completely different.
The KEF Q150 bookshelf speakers are super clear and focus on every little detail. I figured out that’s because the uni-driver array provides a wide soundstage.
I have been using these speakers for quite some time now, and they have never gotten muddy. I could hear the sound of every instrument used when I played it for the first time and it is still the same.
The bass and treble are also quite satisfactory. More specifically, the bass is deep and the treble is crisp but without harshness.
If I compare these bookshelf speakers to other speakers of the same price, I found the sound quality more praiseworthy.
As far as the sound of other speakers is concerned, it’s warm, rich, and joyful. In other words, the kind of sound of the speakers that we love when in a party-hard kind of mood.
The other thing that I have noticed after playing these speakers for days is that the voices and instruments sound more realistic and full-bodied.
The bass of these bookshelf speakers is surprisingly deep and the treble is well-balanced.
Both of these speakers hold a separate place in my heart. As they both sound equally great, I’m having a hard time deciding what I like the most.
The major reason is they have all that we look for in a speaker. The KEF speakers are amazingly clear and the other ones are rich and warm.
The bass and treble of these speakers are also deep and clean. Therefore, I’m in love with both speakers and at least I choose between these KEF and Q Acoustics speakers.
Size and weight
The Q150 and 3020i do not have the same size and weight. However, there is not much difference either.
The Q150 is 11.92 inches x 7.08 inches x 10.944 inches. The 3020i is 10.9 inches x 6.7 inches x 11.0 inches.
There is a slight difference in the weight of these speakers. I weighed the KEF speakers, they came out at 5.6 kgs whereas the Q Acoustics were only 4.8 kgs.
Connectivity Type
Both KEF and Q Acoustics Bookshelf speakers do not support Wireless connections. However, that’s not a con at all.
Most of the Bookshelf speakers are still wired, even the expensive ones. The wired Bookshelf speakers have no longer remained a problem as the stands with cable management are introduced.
Suitability
Like every Bookshelf speaker out there, I have found these two suitable for small spaces.
I have used these speakers in medium and large-sized rooms as well, but the Q Acoustics did not perform well. However, the KEF did a little better but not good enough to be considered for large spaces.
Mounting type
The Bookshelf speakers can be placed on the table or a shelf as well. However, a few perform best when mounted on a speaker stand.
The KEF and Q Acoustics happen to be one of them. I have tried adjusting these speakers on the table as well as the shelf. However, they worked best on speaker stands.
Cian has 7 years of experience in the musical instruments industry. His press and research articles are published in many well-known journals. Cian is part of our product testing team so he knows the criteria for the best products. Here at sound keen cian covers how to set up instruments and selection criteria for new products.